Air Quality

Air quality in Minneapolis is among the best of large metropolitan areas in the U.S. Still, the area has air quality issues that contribute to health problems such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease. Most air pollution comes from fossil fuel combustion for transportation and electricity generation.

Recent City & Community Activities

In 2012, there were 26 air quality violations, resulting in $1,200 in citations. Violations included excessive vehicle idling, burning of non-wood materials, and abrasive blasting without containment

In early 2013, crews finished installing new traffic control technology on Hiawatha Avenue in South Minneapolis aimed at reducing long wait times for drivers. By cutting down on unnecessary vehicle idling, the Hiawatha Traffic Signal Timing Project will reduce emissions of hydrocarbons (195 lbs/year), carbon monoxide (4,405 lbs/year), and nitrous oxide (217 lbs/year), improving air quality for area residents and visitors.

In 2012, the City's Fleet Services Division put 140 new vehicles into service, with 60 percent using alternative fuels that emit fewer pollutants into the air. The City continues to rely on environmental performance information from the U.S. EPA's Smartway green vehicle guide when purchasing new light duty vehicles like cars and small trucks.

City staff continue to screen for localized emissions issues using SUMMA canisters and photoionization detectors (pictured) during their field inspections.

The City of Minneapolis started a Green Business Matching Grant Program to invest in businesses who reduce pollution. During the pilot year of this program there was a reduction of 874 lbs of VOCs associated with perc at Avestopolis Cleaners in North Minneapolis